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Hormones & reproductionendocrineimmune

Corticotropin (ACTH)

Also known as: ACTH, Adrenocorticotropic hormone, Acthar Gel, Purified Cortrophin Gel

By the Peptide Dossier Editorial TeamUpdated How we source

Corticotropin is an ACTH hormone preparation with adrenal steroid-stimulating and direct melanocortin effects. Long-acting products have approved uses including infantile spasms, MS exacerbations and selected inflammatory conditions.

Quick Facts

Class:Melanocortin / ACTH
Evidence context:Controlled evidence supports infantile-spasms use; other approved settings also reflect long clinical experience.
Product context:FDA-approved corticotropin preparations have product-specific inflammatory and hormonal indications.

What is corticotropin?

The long-acting gel preparations are administered by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection, according to the specific product and indication.

ACTH is a 39-amino-acid pituitary hormone that stimulates adrenal cortisol and related steroid production. Acthar Gel contains purified porcine corticotropin in long-acting gelatin; Purified Cortrophin Gel is another marketed preparation. This biologic-treatment history reaches back to the early 1950s.

How does corticotropin work?

At melanocortin-2 receptors on the adrenal cortex, corticotropin stimulates cortisol, corticosterone and other steroids. Much anti-inflammatory activity follows that endogenous steroid production. Activation of melanocortin receptors on immune and other cells can also produce steroid-independent immune-modulating effects.

This dual action helps explain continued use in selected settings. In a controlled infantile-spasms study, high-dose ACTH stopped spasms more effectively than prednisone. Its downstream steroid effects also explain many corticosteroid-like adverse effects.

Sources: [1]

Is it FDA-approved?

Acthar Gel has held FDA approval since 1952. Its infantile-spasms indication was formally approved in 2010. The broad labeling reflects its historical development and steroid-related range of effects; individual uses remain product specific.

Sources: [2]

What is corticotropin prescribed for?

Uses include infantile spasms, acute multiple-sclerosis exacerbations, nephrotic syndrome and short-term adjunctive treatment in selected rheumatic, collagen, dermatologic, allergic, ophthalmic and other inflammatory conditions, including symptomatic sarcoidosis. Cost and a steroid-like adverse-effect profile help limit use to particular situations.

What are the side effects?

Common effects include injection reactions, fatigue, fluid retention or swelling, insomnia, headache and high blood glucose. Infants treated for spasms may experience infections, convulsions, hypertension, irritability and fever.

More serious concerns include infection susceptibility from immune suppression, adrenal suppression when treatment ends, impaired childhood growth and gastrointestinal bleeding.

References and further reading

This reference draws on Superpower’s Peptide Library and the research linked below. Peptide Dossier’s editorial team adapted and integrated the material on .

  1. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govHow does corticotropin work?Cited in: How does corticotropin work?
  2. acthar.comIs it FDA-approved?Cited in: Is it FDA-approved?

Frequently Asked Questions About Corticotropin (ACTH)

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. The information presented is based on published research and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any peptide protocol. Some peptides discussed may not be approved for human use by the FDA or equivalent regulatory bodies.